how did rulers of Axum gain power and wealth?
The rulers of Axum gained power and wealth through a combination of factors, including military conquest, trade, and control of key resources.
1. Military Conquest: The rulers of Axum extended their territory through military conquest, expanding their influence over neighboring regions and subjugating rival kingdoms. This allowed them to control key trade routes, resources, and strategic locations, increasing their power and influence.
2. Trade: Axum was strategically located along major trade routes that connected the Mediterranean world, Indian Ocean, and East Africa. The rulers of Axum controlled trade through these routes, establishing a monopoly over key commodities such as ivory, gold, and incense. This brought in substantial wealth through the taxation of trade and allowed the rulers of Axum to accumulate power and resources.
3. Control of Resources: The rulers of Axum controlled key resources such as gold, ivory, and agricultural land, which allowed them to amass wealth and power. They used this control to extract resources from subject territories, further increasing their wealth and influence.
Overall, the rulers of Axum gained power and wealth through a combination of military conquest, control of trade routes, and exploitation of key resources. These factors allowed them to establish a powerful and wealthy empire that dominated the region for centuries.